tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77513817438482792512024-03-12T21:50:19.829-04:00Bring on the BooksI am a lover of books; I can't get enough of them. Come check out my recommendations for readers of all ages! I hope you find some new reading treasures for you and your family here. Three star books are good, four star books are great, five star books are outstanding. In general, if I didn't like it, I don't even blog about it. Recommendations are based on my personal opinions, and cautions are listed for the sake of sensitive and/or younger readers.Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.comBlogger1163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-89557638498508748022014-11-15T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-15T12:00:00.780-05:00So Long, and Thanks for all the FishJust had to use a book title to mark the end of this blogging journey.<br />
<br />
Yes, this is the end. After over 1100 book reviews, I feel like it is time to hang up my blogging hat. The blog and review requests have started driving my reading life instead of ME driving my reading life, and it has become more of a chore than a joy.<br />
<br />
The blog will stay here, so my reviews will be available. And who knows? Maybe I will return.<br />
<br />
For the books I have committed to review I have either moved up the review date (like the review I posted yesterday) and/or I will post on Goodreads and/or Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as my usual gushing on Facebook and Twitter.<br />
<br />
Thanks for all the support over the years.<br />
<br />
Happy Reading!<br />
<br />Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-37736329181641835362014-11-14T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-14T12:00:00.039-05:00MIRACLE AT THE HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE by Max Lucado<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780718000882_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Chelsea Champers inherited the Higher Grounds Cafe when her mom died. She has great memories of the place - and a significant need of somewhere to put her energy - so she decides to run it on her own. But she discovers she owns a crazy amount of back taxes on it. How will she ever make that kind of money? Enter The God Blog. It's the only website her router gets and customers come from miles around to have a chance to ask one question and have <u>God</u> respond. What will The God Blog do for Chelsea's business? For her family? For herself?<br />
<br />
This is a touching story of faith and family. Glimpses of angels and dark forces at work give this a little different tone at times. I enjoy stories which touch me emotionally and this did that. It's a fairly typical relationship story ("Can the main characters work out their history and problems?") with angels thrown in. The build up was a little slow, but once The God Blog became a factor, the story really got interesting.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-6653337194527792342014-11-12T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-12T12:00:00.553-05:00HOLIDAY STORIES At this time of year, I get in the mood to read holiday stories. Here are some I am looking forward to reading this year.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781467718059_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /> <img alt="Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781423143550_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" /> <br />
<br />
<img alt="Memoirs of an Elf" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781585369102_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" /> <img alt="I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780439915304_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91GLY9clXJL.jpg" height="320" width="269" /> <img alt="My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781250059307_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="Here Comes Santa Cat" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780803741003_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" />Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-11710527604720532232014-11-10T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-10T12:00:03.782-05:00MRS. HARKNESS AND THE PANDA by Alicia Potter<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Mrs. Harkness and the Panda" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780375844485_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fantastic non-fiction book about the discovery of the panda bear! Mr. Harness was exploring in China, looking for signs of the panda, an animal thought to be mythical. When he died on his exploration, his wife decided to take up the search, even though women were not explorers in those days. She was eventually successful, and brought the first panda to the United States. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Such a great story! Cute animals, inspiring love, and a great example for girls <i>and</i> boys about pursuing your passions and your dreams.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5 out of 5 stars</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AR Reading level of 3.5</div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-64993486365825000642014-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-07T12:00:01.244-05:00I SURVIVED, TRUE STORIES by Lauren Tarshis<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780545782241_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
From the author of the great historical fiction series <i>I Survived</i> come five true stories of survival. The "voice" in these stories are fantastic and it makes the informational text accessible. There's great background information, too, about how the author started writing the fictional series.<br />
<br />
My favorite stories in this book are the one about the blizzard and the one about the molasses flood. I had never heard of the molasses flood before, so that was fascinating (and gross!). This will be a huge hit with my students as well as the teachers at our school for their classrooms.<br />
<br />
5 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-48008730306099955572014-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-05T12:00:04.622-05:00New STAR WARS REBELS titles<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="A New Dawn: Star Wars" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780553392869_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" /> <img alt="Star Wars Rebels Servants of the Empire: Edge of the Galaxy" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781484704851_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Star Wars Rebels is the latest Star Wars property, starting with a new TV show on Disney XD. These two books are part of the new story line which takes place between movies III and IV from the original six movies.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Star Wars A New Dawn</b></i><br />
This story introduces Kanan and Hera (from the TV show) and tells how they ended up working together. It is an intricate story that starts with Kanan and the people in his life in a mining colony and Hera who seems to be doing reconnaissance for herself or for an unknown group. There is also an emissary from the Emperor who is there to see that the mining facility meets the ridiculously high quotas set by the Empire. There is a bomber and a security officer and a substitute ship's captain. All of the different story lines converge in the main plot and action of the story.<br />
<br />
This book gives some insight into what happened after the destruction of the Jedi. The Empire is represented by individuals who seek power and will go to any means in order to achieve it - not a surprise to anyone familiar with the movies. The book is long and it took a several chapters to find a rhythm, but once the action got moving, I enjoyed the story and it left me wanting more back story and more adventures with these characters.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<i><b>Edge of the Galaxy</b></i><br />
Zane Leonis just wants to get through the next year at the Junior Academy for Applied Sciences so he can move on to the Imperial Academy and train to serve the Empire like his sister. But this one school year is going to challenge everything he believes about the Empire.<br />
<br />
Of the two books, this was my favorite. Because it is written for kids, it is much shorter and the story is tighter. There's great action and it gives insight into how "regular folks" are interpreting the actions of the Empire early on and why they would support it. There isn't a direct connection with the characters on the TV show, but this is just the first book in a new series of original stories. This is a series I plan to keep up with.<br />
<br />
4.5 out of 5 stars<br />
<br />
<br />Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-55978773119851241492014-11-03T12:00:00.000-05:002014-11-03T12:00:02.565-05:00BLOOD OF OLYMPUS by Rick Riordan<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus Series #5)" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781423155140_p0_v9_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
The end is here - the final days leading up to the Feast of Hope and the showdown with the giants as they endeavor to raise Gaea. Reyna and Nico get to share some of the storytelling as they travel with Coach Hedge back to Camp Half Blood with the Athena Parthenos while the other demigods head to Greece.<br />
<br />
This is definitely a series to read in order! If you haven't read the other books, start with<i> The Lightning Thief</i> (or <i>The Lost Hero</i> if you read the first five Percy Jackson books). If you've hung with the series this long, dive into this final book with confidence - I think it lives up to expectations. Some characters from other books make an appearance in this one, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There is some continuation of the story of a character wrestling with his sexual orientation. The ending is satisfying, but there is still room for Riordan to return to these characters if he chooses to. There's also a bit of a teaser to Riordan's new Norse mythology series, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (I blew right by this in my reading, but my husband caught it).<br />
<br />
As an aside, we listened to the audio book for the first 75% of the story, and then each of us went to our own corners with our copies of the book to finish it on our own. The audio is well done (although we prefer the reader from <i>The Lost Hero</i> over the one for<i> House of Hades </i>and <i>Blood of Olympus</i>) and worth a listen if you have a long trip coming up or if you enjoy listening to your reading material.<br />
<br />
5 out of 5 starsJaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-6798424142050572422014-10-31T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-31T12:00:12.384-04:00LIFE IS SWEET by Elizabeth Bass<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Life is Sweet" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780758281449_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Becca is trying to make a fresh start, owning her own bakery after a childhood career in Hollywood.<br />
Matthew is staying with his girlfriend's daughter, Olyvia, while his girlfriend is away on business. The hopes and dreams of these three folks are about to collide.<br />
<br />
The full plot is a lot more complicated than that, but I don't want to give too much away. This is a contemporary romance (nothing real steamy). It is a story of friendship. It is a story of adult relationships. It is a story about parenting. To me, the ending felt a little like it came out of left field, but all the threads were tied up at the end, and I enjoyed following the story all the way through.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
(There is a little swearing in this book)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-9306662848584953542014-10-29T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-29T12:00:01.661-04:00AT YOUR SERVICE by Jen Malone<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="At Your Service" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781481402835_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Chloe's goal in life is to be a top notch concierge, just like her dad. Her motto is "Go big or go home." But her dream is at stake when she loses one of her charges on a tour of NYC - a young princess. A lot can happen to a young girl, alone, in a strange city, so Chloe, her best friend Paisley, and the older prince and princess will have to be very clever to track her down asap - especially before their parents find out!<br />
<br />
I loved the concierge angle of this story. It was unique and helps the book stand out from the crowd. There is lots of potential stories that could come out of this premise, especially in a New York City setting. This has a great core group of characters and a light romance. There's also a good lesson here about self-sufficiency and seeking help when you really need it.<br />
<br />
5 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writing.Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-65128563798867800482014-10-27T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-27T12:00:05.916-04:00THE MAP TRAP by Andrew Clements<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Map Trap (Clements Middle Grade Novel #2)" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781416997276_p0_v3_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Alton is a map fanatic. He makes maps of the usual stuff like directions and where things are located. But he also makes secret maps - like who the popular kids are or what food in the cafeteria makes people sick. When Alton's secret maps go missing and are held for ransom, Alton better act quickly before the secret maps go public and ruin everything.<br />
<br />
If you accept the definition of "geek" as someone who is passionate about something cool and smart, this is a "geek" story. The map things are very cool and I loved reading about Alton and his passion. I even learned about geocaching, something I think my students would find cool. This is a great school story about friendship, social behavior. The solution to Alton's problem was great, too.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
AR Reading level of 5.3Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-87683525382601005922014-10-25T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-26T14:30:34.132-04:00GET HAPPY by Mary Amato BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Get Happy" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781606845226_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
I am pleased to welcome author, Mary Amato to Bring on the Books today! She is the author of the great book posted here - <i>Get Happy</i>. Because of the influence of music that runs through this entire story (as well as Ms. Amato's other stories like <i>Guitar Notes</i>), I asked her to share about that aspect of her writing. Here is her response:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>I love music and wanted
to write another novel exploring music in the life of a character. Music is
often the thing that gets a teen through the day. How many times I remember
being depressed or angry or sad or confused and then singing my heart out to whatever
song I was hooked on and just letting the song take care of purging the
negative and replacing it with joy.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>When I write I keep my
instruments nearby and throughout the day I take little breaks to play and
sing. I also work well with music on and often choose music that I think my
characters would like or music that reminds me of my characters.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>While I was writing Get
Happy, I was lucky to see or hear some inspiring local female vocalists:
Victoria Vox (<a href="http://www.victoriavox.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.victoriavox.com</span></a> ) and The
Sweater Set ( <a href="http://www.thesweaterset.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.thesweaterset.com/</span></a>)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>Check them out and make
sure to also check out the 16-year-old Jamey Geston <a href="http://www.jameygestonmusic.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.jameygestonmusic.com</span></a> who recorded my Get
Happy Songs!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Many thanks to Mary Amato for stopping by on her blog tour. You can check out the rest of the tour <a href="http://news.egmontusa.com/blog-tour-for-mary-amatos-get-happy/">here</a>. Mary is also offering a copy of <i>Get Happy</i> to one of my readers. <b>Comment below (or on my Facebook or Twitter posts) by 11:59pm on October 31, 2014 for a chance to win!</b><br />
<br />
I thoroughly enjoyed <i>Get Happy. </i>The main character has two great friends who support her throughout the story. When things start to fall apart for her, her anger is raw and realistic as she discovers that relationships are complicated and adults aren't perfect. I flew through this one, cover to cover, and enjoyed every page. I think this would appeal to middle school and high school readers as well as those of us adults who are lucky enough to know how much fun it is to read books that are supposed to be for kids! Four out of five stars.<br />
<br />
Remember to comment by the end of October for a chance to win a copy of <i>Get Happy</i> and check out the rest of the blog tour.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><i>Author Bio:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="color: #222222; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Mary Amato is an award-winning children's book author,
songwriter, musician, puppeteer, and poet. She writes for children of all ages,
and is beginning to focus on YA. Her first YA novel was Guitar Notes.
Mary lives with her family outside Washington, DC, where she also performs
regularly, singing and playing her own songs. Mary is a popular speaker and
runs numerous workshops for teachers and students, including many on all
aspects of creative writing, even songwriting. The author lives in Silver
Spring, MD. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">You can visit her online at <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.maryamato.com/" target="_blank">www.maryamato.com</a></span>. You can also find here at </span><a href="http://www.thrumsociety.com/">www.thrumsociety.com</a> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-1420032578152686132014-10-24T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-24T12:00:08.434-04:00THE YETI FILES: MEET THE BIGFEET by Kevin Sherry<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Yeti Files #1: Meet the Bigfeet" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780545556170_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Blizz the Yeti and his Bigfeet family are having a family reunion. Blizz is determined to find his missing cousin, Brian, and keep his family from the prying eyes of a cryptozoologist who wants to the world to know about the Bigfeet.<br />
<br />
A fun, silly book that will be part of our fall Scholastic Book Fair. There's lots to see in the illustrations, which makes this great for young readers ready to try out chapter books. There are talking animal and mythical creatures like a North Pole Elf and a unicorn. Plenty of "kid humor" like bathroom behavior, etc. I think this is sure to be a hit with my students!<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
AR Reading level of 2.9Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-84668177343710546752014-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-23T12:00:00.844-04:00THE CASE OF THE STOLEN SIXPENCE by Holly Webb<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Case of the Stolen Sixpence" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780544339286_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Maisie Hitchins longs to be a detective like the famous detective, Gilbert Carrington, who lives nearby. Before she knows it, Maisie has TWO cases to work on - the mystery of who tried to drown a puppy and the mystery of who is stealing money from the butcher.<br />
<br />
This was excellent! Because Maisie's grandmother is a landlord, the people boarding with her bring interesting contributions to the story. The results of her investigations aren't quite with Maisie was expecting but they are satisfying anyway. The illustrations are cute and really add to the story. I am looking forward to adding this book to the school library. The next book in the series (pictured below) releases on March 3, 2015<br />
<br />
5 out of 5 stars<br />
AR reading level of 4.8<br />
<br />
<img alt="The Case of the Vanishing Emerald" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780544339279_p0_v2_s114x166.JPG" /><br />
<br />
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-75925524441919109222014-10-22T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-22T12:00:01.292-04:00I SURVIVED THE DESTRUCTION OF POMPEII, 79AD by Lauren Tarshis<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79 (I Survived Series #10)" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780545459396_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Marcus and his father are slaves in Pompeii in 79 AD. They are eager to escape their ruthless captors, but when they discover the rumblings of Mt. Vesuvius are hinting at something much more dangerous than some shaky ground, they want more than freedom from slavery. They want to escape Pompeii before it is too late.<br />
<br />
This was a great father/son story that included interesting information about the history of the Roman empire. Includes a description of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius as well as a believable explanation of how a slave would have been able to read the signs about what was about to happen. A fantastic addition to this popular series!<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
AR reading level of 5.1<br />
<br />
Next book in the series releases on February 24, 2015. A "True Stories" book is out now.<br />
<br />
<img alt="I Survived #11: I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871" height="200" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780545658461_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" width="137" /> <img alt="I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters" height="200" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780545782241_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG" width="136" /><br />
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-24850097268435365722014-10-21T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-21T12:00:00.582-04:00CRIME CATS: MISSING by Wolfgang Parker<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51k3gF1QIDL.jpg" width="220" /></div>
<br />
A Halloween costume allows Jonas to talk to the neighborhood cats which is an asset when the cats start to go missing. Jonas and the Crime Cats (Neil and CatBob) are determined to capture The Beast that is roaming their town so the cats can be free and safe again.<br />
<br />
This was a great read!! I liked the character of Jonas, who is trying to find his way and figure out who he wants to be in the midst of bullies and embarrassing but well-intentioned parents. Themes in the story include friendship, pets, pet safety and bullying. Looks at the question of what makes someone a hero. I normally skip the Halloween themed books but in this case it was there more to establish the setting of the story and some of the events rather than being a major focus of the book. Includes cat care tips in the back. I would definitely read more books in this series!<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writing.<br />
<br />
Kindle version of this book is available for $2.99 at the time of this writing. Definitely worth the purchase price, in my opinion!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the author for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-38675512919070188802014-10-20T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-20T12:00:00.999-04:00LOOT by Jude Watson<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Loot" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780545468022_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
March and his dad live a free-wheeling, chaotic life as thieves, but when his dad dies on a job, March is on his own and on the run. He makes some friends, find a long lost sister he never knew, and embarks on a series of heists that could lead to his death.<br />
<br />
This was a great con/heist story with plenty of tension and adventure. For the four main characters, life has made it hard to trust anyone, even each other, which adds a great layer to the tension of the story. Plenty of set up here for sequel.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
AR reading level of 4.2Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-46374922244518645592014-10-17T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-17T12:00:01.448-04:00JUDY MOODY MOOD MARTIAN by Megan McDonald<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Judy Moody, Mood Martian (Book #12)" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780763666989_p0_v3_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Judy decides she wants to be in a good mood for a <u>whole week</u>! This is not going to be easy for someone who gets "moody" so easily! This book is all about friendship, what to do when your friend acts like an alien, and finger knitting. A great addition to this fun series!<br />
<br />
Judy Moody is always a winner in my book. Can't go wrong with this fun girl and her fun family and friends.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writingJaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-87133092758700766292014-10-16T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-16T12:00:00.262-04:00ECONOMICS THROUGH INFOGRAPHICS by Karen Kenney<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Economics Through Infographics" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781467734608_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
I love infographics and have eyed this series as a possibility for our school library for some time, but this was my first opportunity to see one up close. The format is generally one paragraph per page/topic that outlines basic information and then a visual display that digs a little deeper. Topics in this volume include factories/assembly lines, comparison costs for common products (like a Big Mac or Starbucks) in various countries, imports and exports, currency exchanges, and changes in the work force over time. Includes a glossary and index as well as recommendations for further reading on the subject. Free e-resources are also mentioned, but I did not explore those.<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
AR Reading level of 5.0<br />
<br />
I would <u>definitely</u><i> </i>get this series for the school library - what an enjoyable read! Some of the other books in this series are pictured below. So far there seems to be 12 books in the series.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Us History Through Infographics" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781467734592_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG" /> <img alt="Weather and Climate through Infographics" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781467715959_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG" /> <img alt="Forces and Motion through Infographics" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781467712910_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG" /> <img alt="The Solar System through Infographics" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781467712897_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;">
<span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a><span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-91618865893608124942014-10-15T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-15T12:00:01.396-04:00BIG NATE: THE CROWD GOES WILD! by Lincoln Peirce<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Big Nate: The Crowd Goes Wild!" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9781449436346_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
While I always buy these books for my son and for the school library, I have never read one until now. I was pleasantly surprised. There were several laugh-out-loud moments in this collection of comic strips about: playing catch with his dad, tests and studying with Francis, family fun with Uncle Ted, teachers at school, Book Buddies, girls, baseball, and summer break. We will definitely be adding this to our collects both at home and at school<br />
<br />
4 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writing<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.</span>Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-68491770194850186462014-10-14T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-14T12:00:00.770-04:00EDIE'S ENSEMBLES by Ashley Spires<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Edie's Ensembles" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781770494909_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Edie becomes consumed by creating attention-grabbing ensembles to the neglect of her friend. I love <a href="http://bringonthebooks.blogspot.com/search/label/Ashley%20Spires">Ashley Spires' work</a>! The illustrations here are just precious. The main theme of the story is "be yourself." This could be a great read aloud for bedtime or for classroom use.<br />
<br />
3 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at this time<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.</span>Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-77875912125103022582014-10-13T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-13T12:00:01.182-04:00THE IRON TRIAL by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Iron Trial (Magisterium Series #1)" src="http://img1.imagesbn.com/p/9780545522250_p0_v2_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Callum Hunt is an unpopular, angry boy with a damaged leg and mysterious past. Those things define him until he is admitted to the Magisterium to study magic. Call is the worst student in the trials because his father has warned him all his life that he needed to fail the trials. But he is accepted anyway, and once there, Call starts to get a sense of who he is - but things aren't necessarily what they appear in a world filled with magic. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wow. This was engaging and intriguing right from the beginning.Mysteries are probed, secrets are revealed and plenty of questions are left for the next book in the series. The characters are typical teen/pre-teens dealing with issues of friends, popularity and identity as they try to decide the kind of people they want to be. Plenty of questions left to draw readers forward in search of answers. I would recommend this to fans of the Harry Potter books. This has a different tone, but a similar premise with the magical training school.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4.5 out of 5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AR Reading level of 5.6</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-77951766486633993762014-10-10T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-10T12:00:01.403-04:00ALL FOUR STARS by Tara Dairman<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="All Four Stars" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780399162527_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
When Gladys sets her kitchen on fire trying to make creme brulee, her parents discover her secret - when Gladys is home by herself, she cooks! This is unacceptable behavior for a sixth grader in their opinion so they ban her from the kitchen and from reading cookbooks. Instead, they insist she do normal things like play video games or go to the mall. But a writing assignment for school snags a freelance restaurant critic job for Gladys - if she can just figure out how to pull it off without anyone finding out she's just a kid.<br />
<br />
Gladys' passion is obvious and inspiring. Her parents are clueless, but Gladys' friends are supportive and encouraging. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and kept finding passages I wanted to read out loud to students. I think the kids at my school would enjoy Gladys's story!<br />
<br />
5 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writing.Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-76716659347958386082014-10-09T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-09T12:00:00.036-04:00THE GREEDY KING: A TALE FROM ANCIENT GREECE by Mitchell Biesemeyer<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81puRK3CWxL.jpg" width="304" /></div>
<br />
Based on a classic story from Greece, the story is told of a rich and greedy king who wanted to prove he was the happiest man in the world because of his great wealth. A wise Greek man puts things in perspective and the king, eventually, learns some things about true happiness.<br />
<br />
Cute illustrations. Historic notes in the back give some context for the story. Good message about the path to true happiness (sharing/helping others, contentment). This is definitely more of a "message" story than a "get lost in the story" sort of book.<br />
<br />
3.5 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writing<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the author for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.</span>Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-35234838390921661592014-10-08T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-08T12:00:00.138-04:00A MILLION WAYS HOME by Dianna Dorisi Winget<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="A Million Ways Home" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780545667067_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
Poppy's been living in shelter care since her grandmother had a stroke and went to the hospital. But when she witnesses a crime, she's taken into protective custody with a local police officer and his mother. Poppy just wants life to go back to normal and to go back home with her grandmother, but she might never get back to that life again.<br />
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This was lovely! A touching story of family and friendship. Great animal story. Terrific realistic fiction, emotionally moving. I would recommend this to fans of books like <i>Love, Aubrey; Eight Keys; </i>or <i>Counting by Sevens.</i><br />
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5 out of 5 stars<br />
No AR reading level at the time of this writing.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">* I received an electronic
copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review
it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t
believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">16 CFR, Part 255</span></a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in
Advertising.</span>Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7751381743848279251.post-51175847971472364262014-10-07T12:00:00.000-04:002014-10-07T12:00:00.705-04:00A WONDERLANDIFUL WORLD by Shannon Hale<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="A Wonderlandiful World (Barnes & Noble Special Edition) (Ever After High Series #3)" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780316282093_p0_v3_s260x420.JPG" /></div>
<br />
I debated whether or not I was going to post a review on this book. I have enjoyed this <a href="http://bringonthebooks.blogspot.com/search?q=ever+after+high">series</a> thus far, but this book didn't feel quite the same to me. Frankly, I was disappointed. I was going to keep my opinions to myself as I don't like to post a negative review of something an author and publisher have put significant work into, but as I have had students (and parents) also read the book and have similar reactions, I thought I would go ahead and post a couple observations. Maybe this will help other readers be prepared for the differences in this book compared to the first two.<br />
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First, the point of view character changed from the first two books, which was an abrupt shift. Not "bad," just different and unexpected. Second, the influence of Wonderland was annoying to me as I don't care for Alice and Wonderland. That is a matter of preference. Some reviewers have <u>loved</u> this aspect while others have not. I'm just one of the "nots."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>SPOILER ALERT</b></span>: Do NOT read farther if you don't want to read a <b><span style="color: red;">SPOILER</span></b>.<br />
My final frustration was that in the end, when all the action has finished, most of the characters forget the entire events of the story!<br />
<br />
What?!<br />
<br />
Ignoring the first two issues I noted, I could have easily given this 4 or 4.5 stars. I really got into the rhythm of the new characters and enjoyed watching them evolve over the story. But having almost all of them completely forget what happened really disappointed me. It was like watching a TV show and having it all be a dream in the end. I'm not sure why you would want to go to the trouble of telling a story only a couple characters will remember in the end. And with a change of author for the next portion of the series, I don't know if that will be happily resolved later down the line. I don't know if I will read the next book in the series. This choice of ending really surprised me from this author and from the powers-that-be who launched this franchise.Jaymiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074879023566615830noreply@blogger.com0